Since taking over the way people hail rides, Uber has branched out into food delivery, car rentals, and even freight transportation.
The company announced a “wild” venture on Tuesday with the launch of Uber Safaris, which will facilitate day trips from Cape Town to South Africa’s forests.
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Uber safaris, which can be booked up to 90 days in advance, take visitors from the city of Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve. After being picked up, riders are taken to a 24,000-acre wildlife preserve where they are served a welcome breakfast and drinks.
Aquila is home to the Big Five: elephants, buffalo, leopards, rhinos, and lions.
Uber Safari is part of the company’s Go Anywhere series, designed to “empower customers to book bucket-list adventures with the Uber convenience they know and love,” the company said. Frans Hiemstra, Uber’s regional general manager for the Middle East and Africa, told Travel+Leisure. .
“With Uber Safari, one of our wildest services ever, our Reserve technology makes it easier than ever to create South Africa’s most iconic travel experiences.” Hiemstra told Travel+Leisure.
Uber Safari isn’t the company’s first foray into luxury experiences. Over the past two years, Uber has hosted a champagne tasting trip called Uber Bubbles in Epernay, France, and a hot air balloon ride called Uber Balloon in Cappadocia, Turkey.
“We’re excited to partner with Uber to extend bucket-list wildlife experiences for our customers,” said Johan van Schalkwyk, director of sales at Aquila Collection, in a statement on Uber’s website. mentioned in. “This is the perfect combination of modern convenience and natural beauty, while supporting wildlife conservation efforts that are essential to protecting South Africa’s biodiversity.”
How do I book my trip?
Uber has made booking a day trip to a South African safari as easy as hailing a car to pick you up after a concert.
First, open the Uber app and select the (Uber Safari) button on the home screen. Select the date you want to go next. Safaris are available on Saturdays and Sundays from October 2nd until the end of January 2025.
After choosing your date, set your pick-up and drop-off locations in Cape Town. Then, if you’re happy with it, press “Book Uber Safari.” You will receive a confirmation email immediately. Once you’re done, you’ve booked an experience of a lifetime.
Uber Safari costs a flat rate of $200 and can accommodate up to 4 people.
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Make the most of your time in South Africa
With this low-cost option, you might check something off your bucket list and consider a trip to Cape Town for that experience.
Cape Town, South Africa’s legislative capital, has sparkling beaches, wineries to visit and mountain peaks to discover. While in the city, you can visit Robben Island, the prison that once housed Nelson Mandela. Cape Town is also known for its food and nightlife, so you can enjoy an unexpected trip to the Mother City.
To make the most of your time in Cape Town, book a waterfront hotel and enjoy the beach city. At Table Mountain, an iconic part of the city’s skyline, take a 20-minute hike to the flat summit for views of the city. Don’t forget to learn about this city’s apartheid history and visit the many sites associated with this country’s struggles.
Delta Air Lines offers nonstop flights to the city from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, taking just under 15 hours.
